Kelly Slater, one of the most legendary surfers in history has just won his 50th professional victory. The Billabong Pro Pipeline event was held on Oahu’s North Shore and Kelly managed to take home not only a big check but also some well-earned respect for himself after going headlong against some tough competition with 17 other world-class surfers from around the globe who all wanted that perfect wave at any cost!
The final of the 2018 Australian Open was between 24-year old Seth Moniz and Slater who have been winning this tournament for 8 consecutive years. He went on to win it again on Saturday at a location where he first started his Championship Tour back in 1992 with one victory under his belt, just making him even more special to pull off such an accomplishment!
Not many people would have given former world No. 1 Rafa foreman a chance, but he’s been showing off his skills on the circuit lately and has won two events in recent years – both at Pipeline for nine-year stretches!
“I was out there just telling myself, ‘Be in the moment no matter how much tension there is, just breathe,'” an emotional Slater said after his World Surf League event win.
“I said, ‘Just stay in the moment, just soak it up, even if he beats you, just love it all.’ I committed my life to this. To all of this. To all of the heartbreak and winning and all this crap. You know, I’ve hated lots of it, but I savor this and this is the best win of my life.”
In a speech during the award ceremony, Slater hints at retirement.
“This may be it for me, I’m going to have to talk with myself before sunset,” he said.
Slater’s victory in the first stage of the World Surf League was enough to earn him a spot at Hurley Pro Sunset Beach on Oahu, Hawaii with a yellow jersey as competition leader if he continues forward.
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